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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga fighting for 2017 ATP Finals qualification

By Harry Floyd

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France reacts against Denis Shapovalov of Canada during their second round Men's Singles match on Day Three of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France reacts against Denis Shapovalov of Canada during their second round Men's Singles match on Day Three of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga keeps hopes alive in his attempt to qualify for the 2017 ATP Finals in London. He wins his opening match at the Vienna Open.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga wins his opening match at the 2017 Vienna Open.

The French tennis veteran defeats Karen Khachanov in three sets, winning 6-7 (2), 6-4, 6-3. Tsonga is a former champion at the Erste Bank Open 500 in Vienna, taking home the title in 2011.

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As Tsonga eyes the final spot at the ATP Finals, other players are also vying to qualify. Also in action this week is Juan Martin del Potro. The Argentinian tennis star is playing at the 2017 Swiss Indoors and has won his opening round match.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga faces Damir Dzumhur next at the Vienna Open.

With Stan Wawrinka out for the remainder of the year,  Pablo Carreno Busta currently sits in the final qualifying spot for the ATP Finals in London. David Goffin is also alive in the seventh position.

Dzumhur is fresh off of a title win at the 2017 Kremlin Cup. He will likely put up a strong fight against the French tennis star. Tsonga, who is playing in his third tournament since the US Open, will need to bring his best tennis to the round of 16 meeting. He did reach the finals at the European Open last week and is in fine form right now.

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The top seed this week at the Vienna Open is Alexander Zverev. He and second seed Dominic Thiem have both won their opening matches at the ATP World Tour event. Both players have also already secured their places in the 2017 ATP Finals.

The Vienna Open and Swiss Indoors are proving to play a vital role in determining who will reach the end of year finals. Despite the 2017 ATP World Tour dominance of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, several young tennis stars will look to dethrone them in London. As for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, it may be an outside chance, but he keeps hopes alive of qualifying. Look for the Frenchman to bring his opening round momentum right into his meeting with Dzumhur. Tsonga is an ATP World Tour best 17-2 when playing indoors this season. Check back to see how he fares throughout the rest of the Vienna Open and stay tuned to see who will round out the final spots for the 2017 ATP Finals in London.

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